The history of North and South America, from its discovery to the death of General Washington

Front matter

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I

Table Of Contents

OF SOUTH AMERICA.

Preface Page 5

Talents of Columbus 7

Preface

To furnish the public with a concise history of America, from its discovery to its present state of civilization and importance, is an undertaking of such general utility, that the attempt, if it even fall short of complete execution, has a claim to a considerable share of indulgence. This is more especially the case, when the writer has to follow a historian of such great and just celebrity as Dr. Robertson, in at least one-half of the work.

To compose such an historical epitome as is desirable, from scattered materials, is a difficulty of such magnitude as wholly to discourage the attempt; and to abridge che pages of so great an original, where there is nothing superfluous, nothing the reader would wish to be omitted, is a design which seems to border on temerity. But this abridgement has been preferred, because it is attended with the least chance of disappointment ; and it is not dishonorable to borrow, when the obligation is candidly acknowledged.

Dr. Robertson's history has, therefore, been implicitly followed in what relates to South America. His arrangement of the subject, his chronological order, and his very style have been adopted, as the best that can be chosen. To condense his details, to introduce only the most prominent and characteristic events, has been the principal effort, and invariable purpose of the epitomizer: endeavoring to preserve, unbroken, the connexion and continuity of events ; and to present the reader with a brief, but interesting, view of one of the most important eras in the annals of the world.

So far the writer travelled with pleasure : — but, in tracing the subsequent part, the history of North America, he has cause to res^ret the absence of so pleasing

6 PREFACE.

and faithful a guide — being obliged to collect materials from different sources, of all the British settlements in North America, from their first landing to the final separation from the parent state.

The settlement of these colonies being made at different periods, with charters of incorporation extremely variant, and with governments, as distinct as their geographical boundaries, rendered a history of the British empire in America very complex and difficult. From this heterogeneous mass, the writer has endeavored, with considerable labor, to educe a summary of those events that paved the way to the American Revolution; and this Synopsis will constitute an introduction to the future histories of the United States.

In that portion of the work which succeeds the confederation of the colonies, and the consequent declaration of Independence, we set our feet on surer ground : we revive events that happened in our own memory ; and of which there are faithful records within reach of the generahty of our readers. In treating on this part of the subject, it is not a very easy task, wholly to avoid that collision of opinions which is inseparable from free governments, and which constitutes so great a part in the annals of United America: but though difficult, the writer has endeavored to avoid it ; confining himself, as • much as possible, to a history of facts, and to those only that are of a national concern. His principal object has been to present his readers witn a comprehensive view of the whole, without any respect to the politics of a single state or party ; and to excite, if possible, a zeal for the general w^elfare and honor of our common country. — How far he has succeeded in this, as well as other parts of the work, must be left to the candid reader ; to whom it is now very respectfully submitted.

HISTORY OF SOUTH AMERICA,

Chap. I

INTRODUCTION. TALENTS OF COLUMBUS. HE APPLIES TO SEV- ERAL POWERS FOR ASSISTANCE. SAILS FROM PALOS. DIS- COVERS THE BAHAMAS.

1. The discovery of America has led to events unrivalled in modern history, and we cannot sufficiently admire that steady unconquerable resolution, that amazing force of mind which carried Columbus, the first bold discoverer, through all opposition, and over innumerable obstacles, to the ultimate end of his grand design. The intellio-ent reader will be agreeablv entertained in following this skilful navigator, through unknown seas, in search of a Nev/ World ; every little incident during the voyage will appear of sufficient magnitude to fix the attention, and excite a strong sympathy with the adventurous chief, in all the various turns of his fortune.

2. According to Dr. Robertson, Christopher Columbus was born in the year 1447 A. D. ; the place of his birth is not ascertained, but it appears he was a subject of the Republic of Genoa, and was allured into the service of the Portuguese by the fame of their discoveries : he was descended from an honorable family, though reduced to indigence by various misfortunes.

3. Columbus discovered, in his early youth, a strong propensity and talents for a sea-faring life : this propensity his parents encouraged by the education they gave him : after acquiring some knowledge of the Latin tongue, the only language in which science was taught, at that time, he was instructed in geometry, cosmography, astronomy, and the art oi' drawing. To these he applied with such unremitted ardor, as they were so intimately connected with his favorite object, navigation, that he advanced with rapid proficiency in the study of them. Thus qualified, he went to sea at the age of fourteen, and began his career on that element, which conducted him to so much glory. His early voyages were to those ports in the Mediterranean which his countrymen, the Genoese, frequented. This being too narrow a sphere for his active mind, he made an excursion to the northern seas, and visited the coast of Iceland ; he proceeded beyond that island, the Ultima Thule of the ancients, and advanced several degrees within the polar circle.

4. This voyage enlarged his knowledge in naval affairs more than it improved his fortune ; afterwards he entered into the service of a famous sea captain of his own name and family. This man commanded a small squadron, fitted out at his own expense, and, by cruising against the Mahometans, and the Venetians, the rivals of his country in trade, had acquired both wealth and reputation. Columbus continued in the service of this captain for several years, distinguished both for his courage and experience as a sailor : at length, in an obstinate engagement off the coast of Portugal, with some Venetian caravels, returning richly laden from the Low Countries, the vessel on board of which he was, took fire, together with one of the enemy's ships, to which it was fast grappled.

5. In this dreadful extremity his intrepidity and presence of mind did not forsake him ; for, throwing himself into the sea, and laying hold of a floating oar, by his own dexterity in swimming, he reached the shore, though above two leagues distant. Thus was a life preserved for greater undertakings.

6. When he had recovered sufficient strength, he repaired to Lisbon, where many of his countrymen resided : they warmly solicited him to stay in that kingdom, where his naval skill and experience could not fail of procuring him that reward, which his merit entitled him to. Columbus listened with a favorable ear to the advice of his friends ; married a Portuguese lady, and fixed his residence at Lisbon. By this alliance, the sphere of his naval knowledge was enlarged. His wife was a daughter of Bartholomew Perestrello, one of the captains employed by prince Henry, and who, under his protection, had discovered and colonized the islands of Porto Santo and Madeira.

7. From the journals and charts of this experienced navigator, Columbus learned the course which the Portuguese had held in making their discoveries. The study of these, gratified and inflamed his favorite passion ; and, while he contemplated the maps and read the descriptions of the new countries which Perestrello had seen, his impatience to visit them became irresistible. In order to indulge it, he made a voyage to Madeira, and continued during several years to trade with that island, with the Canaries, the Azores, the settlements in Guinea, and^ all the other places which the Portuguese had discovered on the continent of Africa.

8. He was now become one of the most skilful navigators in Europe ; but his ambition aimed at something more. The mind of Columbus, naturally inquisitive, and capable of deep

"reflection, was often employed in revolving the principles upon which the Portuguese had founded their schem.es of cliscovery, and the mode in which they had carried them on.

9. At that period, the great object in vievy', was to find out a passage by sea to the East Indies. From the time that the Portuguese had sailed round Cape Verd, this was a point they were anxiously solicitous to attain ; in comparison with it, all discoveries in Africa appeared inconsiderable. But notwithstanding the Portuguese were so intent upon discovering a new route to those desirable regions, they searched for it only by steering towards the south, in hopes of arriving at India, by turning to the east, after they had sailed round the utmost extremity of Africa. This course, however, was still unknown : and if discovered, was of such immense length, that a voyage from Europe to India, must have appeared an undertaking extremely arduous, and of uncertain issue.

10. More than half a century had been employed in advancing from Cape Non to the Equator ; a much longer space of time might elapse before the extensive navigation from that to India could be accomplished. These reflections upon the uncertainty, and the danger of the course M'hich the Portuguese were pursuing, led Columbus to consider, whether a shorter and more direct passage to the East Indies might not be found out. After revolving long and attentively, every circumstance suggested by his superior knowledge in the theory, as well as practice of navigation ; after comparing the observations of modern pilots with the conjectures of ancient authors, he at last concluded, that by sailing directly towards the west, across the Atlantic ocean, new countries, which probably formed a part of the vast continent of India, must be discovered.

11. The spherical figure of the earth was known, and its magnitude ascertamed with some degree of accuracy. From this it was evident, that the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, formed but a small portion of the terraqueous globe. It appeared likewise very probable that the continent on one side the globe was balanced by a proportional quantity of land in the other hemisphere. These conclusions concerning another continent, drawn from the figure and structure of the globe, were confirmed by the observations and conjectures of modern navigators,

12. A Portuguese pilot having stretched farther to the west than usual at that time, took up a piece of timber artificially carved, floating upon the sea ; and as it was driven towards him by a westerly wind, he concluded that it came from some unknown land, situated in that quarter. Columbus's brotherin-law also had found, to the west of the Madeira isles, a piece of timber, fashioned in the same manner, and brought by the same wind ; and had seen likewise canes of an enormous size floating upon the waves, which resembled those described by Ptolemy, as productions peculiar to the East Indies. After a course of westerly winds, trees torn up with their roots, were often driven upon the coasts of the Azores, and at one time the dead bodies of two men, with singular features, which resembled neither the inhabitants of Europe, nor of Africa, were cast ashore there.

13. To a mind capable of forming and executing great designs, as that of Columbus, these observations and authorities operated in full force with his sanguine and enterprising temper ; speculation led immediately to action, — fully satisfied himself with respect to the truth of his system, he was impatient to bring it to the test of experiment, and to set out on a voyage of discovery.

14. The first step towards this, was to secure the patronage of some of the considerable powers in Europe, capable of undertaking such an enterprise. His affection for his native country, induced him to wish it should reap the fruit of his labors and invention ; and with this view, he laid his schemes before the senate of Genoa, and oflered to sail under the banners of the republic, in quest of the new regions he expected to discover. But, Columbus had resided so many years in foreign parts, that his countrymen were unacquainted with his abilities and character ; they, therefore, inconsiderately rejected his proposal, as the dream of a chimerical projector, and lost for ever the opportunity of restoring their commonwealth to its ancient splendor.

1.5. Columbus was so little discouraged by the repulse which he had received, that instead of relinquishing his object, he pursued it with fresh ardor. He next made an overture to John 11. king of Portugal, whom he considered as having the second claim to his services. Here every thing seemed to promise him a more favorable reception. He applied to a monarch of an enterprising genius, no incompetent judge in naval afl?airs, and proud of patronizing every attempt to discover new countries. His subjects were the most experienced navigators in Europe, and the least apt to be intimidated either by the novelty or bold ness of any maritime expedition.

^16. In Portugal, the skill of Columbus in his profession, as well as his personal good qualities, were well known : accordingly the king Ustened to him in the most gracious manner, and referred the consideration of his plan to Diego Ortiz, bishop of Ceuta, and two Jewish physicians, eminent cosmographers, whom he was accustomed to consult in matters of this kind. In Genoa he had to combat with ignorance, in Lisbon an en- 'emy no less formidable opposed him, prejudice ; the persons to whose decision his project was referred, were the chief directors of the Portuguese navigation, and had advised to search for a passage to India by steering a course directly opposite to that which Columbus recommended, as shorter and more certain. They could not, therefore, approve of his proposal, without submitting to the double mortification, of condemning their own theory, and of acknowledging his superior sagacity.

17. After a fruitless and mortifying attendance, being teased with captious questions, and starting innumerable objections, with a view of betraying him into a particular explanation of his system, they deferred passing a final judgment, with respect to it j but secretly conspired to rob him of the honor and advantages which he expected from the success of his scheme, advising the king to dispatch a vessel secretly, in order to attempt the proposed discovery, by following exactly the course which Columbus seemed to point out. The king, forgetting, on this occasion, the sentiments becoming a monarch, meanly adopted this perfidious counsel. But the pilot chosen to execute Columbus's plan, had neither the genius, nor the fortitude, of its author ; he returned, as might have been expected, without accomplishing any thing ; execrating the project as equally extravagant and dangerous.

18. Upon discovering this dishonorable action, he instantly quitted the kingdom, and landed in Spain, towards the close of the year 1484, when he determined to propose it, in person, to Ferdinand and Isabella, who, at that time, governed the united kingdoms of Castile and Arragon. But as he had already experienced the uncertain issue of applications to kings and ministers, he took the precaution of sending into England his brother Bartholomew, to whom he had fully communicated his ideas ; in order that he might, at the same time, negotiate with Henry VII. who was reputed one of the most sagacious, as well as opulent, princes in Europe.

19. Columbus entertained doubts and fears with respect to the reception of his proposals in the Spanish court, because Spain was engaged, at that juncture, in a dangerous war with Granada, the last of the Moorish kingdoms. The cautious and suspicious temper of Ferdinand was not congenial with bold and uncommon designs. Isabella, though more generous and enterprising, was under the influence of her husband in all her actions.

20. The Spaniards had hitherto made no efforts to extend navigation beyond its ancient limits, and beheld the amazing progress of discovery among their neighbors, the Portuguese, without making one attempt to imitate or rival them. Under circumstances so unfavorable, it was not likely that Columbus could make a rapid progress with a nation naturally slow and dilatory in performing all its resolutions.

21. His character, however, was well adapted to that of the people, whose confidence and protection he solicited. He was grave, though courtly in his deportment ; circumspect in his words and actions ; irreproachable in his morals ; and exemplary in his attention to all the duties of religion. By these qualities he gained many private friends, and acquired such general esteem, that he was considered as a person to whose propositions some attention vv^as due.

22. Ferdinand and Isabella, though fully occupied by their operations against the Moors, paid so much regard to Columbus as to refer the consideration of his plan to the queen's confessor, Ferdinand de Talavera. He consulted such of his countrymen as v/ere supposed best qualified to decide upon a subject of this nature : those pretended philosophers who were selected to judge in a matter of such moment, did not comprehend the first principles upon which Columbus founded his conjectures and hopes. Some of them, from mistaken n'V.ions, con- • cerning the dimensions of the globe, contended that a voyage to those remote parts of the earth, which Columbus expected to discover, could not be performed in less than three years ; others concluded he would find the ocean to be of infmitc extent, according to the opinion of some ancient philosophers ; or if he should persist in steering towards the west, beyond a certain point, that the convex figure of the globe would prevent his retiu'n, and that he must inevitably perish in the vain attempt to open a communication between the two opposite he..iispheres, which nature had for ever disjoined. Some contended that it was presumptuous in any person to suppose that he alone possessed knowledge superior to all the rest of mankind united ; that if there were really any such countries as Columbus pretended, they could not have remained so long concealed, nor would the sagacity and wisdom of former ages have left the glory of this invention to an obscure Genoese pilot.

23. The patience of Columbus was put to the severest trial in listening to these ignorant and malicious insinuations : after innumerable conferences, and wasting five years in fruitless endeavors to inform and satisfy them, Talavera at last made such an unfavorable report to Ferdinand and Isabella, as induced them to acquaint Columbus, that until the war with the Moors should be brought to a final period, it was impossible for them to engage in any new and expensive enterprise.

24. This declaration Columbus considered as a 'total rejection of his proposals. But, happily for mankind, superiority of genius is usually accompanied with an ardent enthusiasm, which can neither be cooled by delays, nor damped by disappointments. The insolence of office may depress, but cannot extinguish it, as it soars above the littleness of human pride.

25. Columbus was of a sanguine temper, though he deeply felt the cruel blow given to his ho}>es, and retired immediately from a court where he had been long amused with vain expectations. His confidence in the justness of his own system did not forsake him ; and his impatience to demonstrate the truth of it became greater than ever.

26. Having thus failed of success with sovereign states, he next applied to persons of inferior rank, and addressed the dukes of Medina Sidonia, and Medina Cell ; who, though subjects, were possessed of power and opulence sufficient for the enterprise which he projected. His proposals to them were, liowever, fruitless ; they did not choose to countenance a scheme which Ferdinand had rejected, even if they had approved of the enterprise. Tliey v»'ere afraid of alarming the jealousy and offending the pride of Ferdinand, by acting counter to his judgment. Such a succession of disappointments excited the most painful sensations ; and his distress was augmented by his not having received any accounts from his brother, whom he had sent to the court of England.

27. Bartholomew, in his voyage to that country, fell into the hands of pirates who stripped him of every thing, and detained him a prisoner several years. At length he made his escape, and arrived in such extreme indigence, that he was compelled to employ a considerable space of time in drawing and selling maps, in order to obtain as much money as would enable him to purchase a decent dress, in which he might venture to appear at court. He then laid before the king the proposals with

B which he had been intrusted by his brother ; and, notwithstanding Henry's excessive caution and parsimony, which rendered him averse to new and expensive undertakings, he received the overtures of Columbus with more approbation, than any monarch to whom they had hitherto been presented.

28. Columbus, in the meanwhile, unacquainted with his brother's fate, and hopes of succeeding in Spain having vanished, he resolved to visit the court of England in person. He had already made preparations for this purpose, and taken measures for the disposal of his children during his absence, when Juan Perez, the Prior of the monastery of Rabida near Palos, in which they had been educated, earnestly solicited him to defer his journey for a short time. Perez was a man of considerable learning, and of some credit with queen Isabella, to whom he was personally known. Warmly attached to Columbus, and prompted by curiosity or friendship, he entered upon an accurate examination of his system, in conjunction with a physician, who was a good mathematician.

29. This investigation satisfied them so thoroughly with respect to the principles upon which Columbus founded his opinion, that Perez, fearing his country would lose the glory and benefit of so grand an enterprise, ventured to write to Isabella, conjuring her to consider the matter again, and with the attention it merited.

30. Isabella was so far moved by this representation, that she desired Perez to repair immediately to the village of Santa Fe, in which, on account of the siege of Granada, the court resided at that time, that she might confer with him upon this important and interesting subject.

31. The first effect of their interview was a gracious invitation of Columbus back to court, accompanied with the present of a small sum to equip himself for the journey. As there was a prospect that the war with the Moors would be speedily ])rought to a happy issue, by the reduction of Granada, which would leave the nation at liberty to engage in new undertakings ; this, as well as the mark of royal favor with which Columbus had lately been honored, encouraged his friends to appear with greater confidence, than formerly, in support of his scheme.

32. Of these, Alonzo de Quintanilla, comptroller of the finances in Castile, and Luis de Santangel, receiver of the ecclesiastical revenues in Arragon, deserve an honorable place in history, on account of their zeal in promoting this great design ; these gentlemen introduced Columbus to many persons of high rank, and interested them warmly in his cause. Ferdinand's distrustful prudence could not easily be overcome : he considered the project as extravagant and chimerical ; and in order at once to destroy the efforts of his partisans, and render them ineffectual, he employed, in the new negotiation, persons who had formerly pronounced his scheme impracticable.

33. To their astonishment, Columbus appeared before them with the same confident hopes of success, as formerly, and insisted upon the same high recompense. He proposed that a small fleet should be fitted out, under his command, to attempt a discovery, and demanded to be appointed perpetual and hereditary admiral and viceroy of all the seas and lands he should discover, and to have the tenth of the profits arising from them, settled irrevocably upon him and his descendants. At the same time he offered to advance the eighth part of the sum necessary, for accomplishing the design, on condition of his enjoying a proportional share of benefit from the adventure. If the enterprise should totally miscarry, he made no stipulation for any reward or emolument whatever.

34. Instead of viewing this last proposition as the clearest evidence of his full persuasion, with respect to the truth of his own system, or being struck with admiration of that magnanimity, which after so many delays and repulses would stoop to nothing inferior to its original claims, the persons with whom Columbus treated, meanly objected to the expense of the expedition, and the value of the reward which he demanded.

35. The expense they affirmed would be too great for Spain, in the present exhausted state of its finances. They contended the honors and emoluments claimed by Columbus, were exorbitant, even if he should perform the utmost of what he had proposed; and that if the expedition should prove abortive, such vast concessions to an adventurer would be deemed inconsiderate and ridiculous.

36. These cautious objections were so consonant with the natural disposition of Ferdinand, that he cordially approved of them ; and Isabella, discouraged, declined giving any countenance to Columbus, and abruptly broke off the conference. The mind of Columbus, firm as it was, could hardly support the shock of such an unforeseen reverse. He withdrew in deep anguish from court, with an intention of prosecuting his voyage to England, as his last resource.

37. About that time Granada surrendered, and Ferdinand and Isabella, in triumphal pomp, took possession of a city, the reduction of which rendered them masters of all the provinces extending from the foot of the Pyrenees to the frontiers of Portugal. Qiiintanilla and Santangel taking advantage of this favorable event, made another effort in behalf of their friend.

38. They addressed themselves to Isabella, and after expressing their surprise that she, who had always been the liberal patroness of generous undertakings, should hesitate so long to countenance the most splendid scheme that had ever been proposed to any monarch ; they represented to her, that Columbus was a man of sound understanding, and virtuous character, well qualified by his experience in navigation, as well as his knowledge of geometry, to form just ideas vv^ith respect to the structure of the globe, and the situation of its various regions ; and that by offering to risk his own life and fortune in the execution of his scheme, they gave the most satisfying evidence both of his integrity and hope of success ; that the sum requisite for equipping such an armament was inconsiderable, and the advantages that might accrue from his undertaking, were immense ; that he demanded no recompense for his invention and labor, but what was to arise from the countries which he should discover ; that it was worthy of her magnanimity, to make this noble attempt to extend the sphere of human knowledge, and to open an intercourse with regions hitherto unknown ; that Columbus was on his way to foreign countries, where some prince would close with his proposals, and Spain would for ever bewail the fatal timidity which had excluded her from the glory and advantages that she had once in her power to have enjoyed.

39. These powerful arguments, urged by persons of such authority, and at a juncture so well chosen, had the desired effect. Isabella's doubts and fears were all dispelled ; she ardered Columbus instantly to be recalled, declared her resolution of employing him on his own terms, and regretting the low state of her finances, generously offered to pledge her own jewels in order to raise as much money as would be wanted for making the necessary preparations for the voyage. Santangel, transported with gratitude, kissed the queen's hand, and rather than she should have recourse to such a mortifying expedient for procuring money, engaged to advance immediately the sum that was requisite.

40. Columbus, ignorant of this change in his favor, had proceeded some leagues on his journey, when the messenger overtook him. Upon receiving the account so flattering to his hopes, he returned directly to Santa Fe, not without some diffidence mingled with his joy. But the cordial reception which he met with from Isabella, together with the near prospect of setting out upon that voyage which had -so long engrossed his thoughts and wishes, soon effaced the remembrance of past sufferings, during eight years of tedious solicitation and anxious suspense.

41. The negotiation now went on with facility and dispatch ; and a treaty with Columbus was signed on the seventeenth of April, 1492. The chief articles of it were:

Art. 1. Ferdinand and Isabella, as sovereigns of the ocean, constituted Columbus their high-admiral in all the seas, islands, and continents, which should be discovered by his industry ; and stipulated, that he, and his heirs for ever, should enjoy this office, with the same powers and prerogatives, which belonged to the high-admiral of Castile, within the limits of his jurisdiction.

Art. 2. They appointed Columbus their viceroy in all the islands and continents he should discover; but if, for the better administration of affairs, it should hereafter be necessary to establish a separate governor in any of those countries, they autliorized Columbus to name three persons of whom they would choose one for that office ; and the dignity of viceroy, with all its immunities, was likewise to be hereditary in the family of Columbus.